No longer a "Yes Girl"...

Well hello there Loves. I am in a funky place these days so I figured what a better way to get it out than to blog about it?? Right. Anyway, I am in the home stretch of summer vacation which means... I am going back to work on Wednesday. "Back to work" is a relatively funny term for me because I feel like I have been working my tail off for a while. After losing my job in June 2011, I was looking for a sense of purpose. Yes, school was a main priority but I wasn't near finished and Teaching seemed SO FAR AWAY!!!! (cue dramatic *dun dun duuuuun* music) Photography was my gem. It was a rock that I pulled out of the ground, polished, cut, and shined into the diamond it has become today. So, it comes as no surprise I am struggling with the transition taking place this week. I hate telling people "No, sorry, can't do that.." It actually physically hurts me.



I feel like I am letting people down as crazy as that sounds. Maybe I feel that way because it's an extension of a greater let down in my life. (Not going there) I am struggling with all this and I know it will be fine. There are lots of other very talented Photographers out there who will take great photos of the people I have grown very attached to and their children. I am actually getting teary eyed typing this. I also know I am not "quitting" by any means. Just... scaling back. I am a person who gives everything I have to anyone and anything. I am realizing I am done being a "Yes" girl. I have to start doing what is best for me and this is the first step.

It is strange for me to even write this.. I mean, I am over the moon to be teaching so why in the h*ll am I even down about anything? I just need to get in my classroom, get set-up, meet my students, and live my dream. I think things are shifting and I am feeling it.. Hopefully, for the good. :)

Have a good one. XOXO-Mere

High 5 for Friday!

I am sooooooo tired but not TOO tired to post my Top 5 favorites for the week.

1. This week has been filled with sleepless nights, to-do lists a mile long, painting, crying, excitement, and editing. TONS of editing. So, at dinner tonight with The Familia we ventured over to Liquor Barn (we keep it classy) and my Mom thought I deserved this bottle of wine. I am not sure why she picked this one? ;)

2. My Party Dress came in the mail. It's short, off the shoulder, and sparkly. 'Nuff said. Speaking of party.. Shout out to my sister from another mister Mrs. Jamie Yeager. Against the Grain and Proof???!!! Amazeballs.

3. School supplies. Classroom prep just got taken to a whole new level with my post-it desk calendar.

4. Seeing my work printed. Specifically, these adorable Birth Announcements. I.DID.THAT. It's a cool feeling!

5. My owl candle holders. I mean, they are green and owls. That within itself makes it completely Meredith. I found them at Homegoods and had to have them. So.. I did.

On a serious note.. I had New Teacher Orientation today and I know I keep repeating myself but I am just in shock. I am really going to be a Teacher? I really did it. I am ready as I will ever be and I am also very overwhelmed at the same time. My head has been a bit fuzzy and my heart a little heavy. Work is definitely getting me through. And.. wine. Yes, wine. :) Have a great week and stay tuned for my classroom before and after post next week. Before will be posted Wednesday and after will be posted.. TBD. lol

XOXO-Mere

What I am obsessed with..

I love all things girly and fashionable. Hence, my Pinterest obsession. I decided to list the things I am crazy about these days in that area of my life.

1. Braids. French, fishtail, basic, half up, all up, sideways, bangs, you name it! My next challenge is the upside down into a bun on top your head. Good luck, there!

2. Colored Jeans. I know I have already referenced this in my 5 for Friday post but my coral ones are so awesome that I have lost weight and bought the same pair in a smaller size. OBSESSED.

3. Chambray shirts. They are all the rage. I saw one at JCrew for $100. Um.. pass. So, I found one at American Eagle for less than half the price. Also, I recently saw them at Target for 17.99. :)

4. Arm Candy. I have always loved accessories. Ever since I was a little girl I would stack on bracelets and look like a gypsy. Etsy has some shops with some super cute bracelets at any budget.

5. Monogram. I cannot wait to get my new monogram necklace in the mail! When I got my maiden name back, I was so excited because I love my monogram. I need to re-marry someone with an M last name. lol

6. Lace. I have a lace dress that I am wearing for some "30 and Flirty" photos I am getting done this week. I cannot wait to show you this dress. Here is a sneaky peek at it. I wore it out with friends not too long ago.

7. Chunky necklaces. Especially turquoise. This was an eBay purchase. The original was from JCrew and is almost $200. Again, pass.

8. Urban Decay Naked Eye Palet. Omygee! I use every single color in this palet and it stays on and finished so nicely. Love it!

9. Dove Hair Care Products. I have thick, wavy, curly, frizzy, long, color treated, hair. This stuff has saved me and I love how my hair feels when I use the smoothing serum. 

10. Duckbill Clips. They are lifesavers when styling your hair. I suggest going to Target to get some because they are awesome!

 So, there you have it. My obsessions. Oh wait.. I forgot one!

 ;) Have a good day loves!

XOXO-Mrs. Lochte

High 5 for Friday!

This week is brought to you by one word... BUSY! I feel like I cannot come up for air these days. I cannot complain because as of 12 minutes ago, I was hit with my breakdown of Student Loan paybacks. Awe-some. NOT!

Here are my "Top 5 Favorite Things" for the week.

1. Ryan Lochte. 'Nuff said.

(Don't we make a super cute couple?)

2. Lucas Harp. I asked him last night if I needed a boyfriend? His response, "Umm.. How about me?" 4 year olds can sure warm a girls heart.. 

3. Speaking of which.. Random 9 year old at Qdoba telling me I am pretty?? Yes, please. Just add about 20 more years on next time. LOL ;)

4. Senior Photography! I am loving it! So much fun and a nice change of pace. How gorgeous is is this Mercy Girl? Lord-a-Mercy!

5. My newest accessory. Be.Jealous...

Getting Good At Starting Over..

I really think I am the Queen of "Starting Over." I had 3 people contact me for advice on how to start over and get through a rough time. 3 people who I feel a strong sense of helping and I started thinking about how I actually did it and it comes down to this... I wasn't raised in a family where we wallow or allow ourselves to be victims, you put one foot down and keep walking, you make a goal and you nail it, you work hard, you fight hard, and you never let them see you sweat. Someone actually told me I should write a Self-Help Book. I have been thinking of titles but my creative juices have been spent on classroom decor and lessons recently. :)

All of this pondering was actually good for me because truth me told...This week sucked. There, I said it. I have spent the past 48ish hours really thinking about some of the things in my life I want to change and what I am doing to make these things happen. Seriously, the first step is admitting you have a problem, right? lol So.. I figured it out. I am a "fixer" and a "settler." Well, guess what Men of Louisville. This settler is moving on to greener pastures and leaving her tool belt at home. End rant.

So, there you have it. Quick and simple. I want it all and almost is just not good enough anymore. I want butterflies, sleepless nights (not from worrying), a man that messes up my lipstick and not my mascara, someone who wants to show me off, spend time with me, let me cook for them, wear their t-shirts to bed, be able to wear heels and not look like a giant, someone who is as fiercely loyal as I am, someone who bleeds red and not blue (sorry Jame, Jill, and Mel), loves dogs, kids, will listen to me gush about my students and my love for teaching, let me complain about photo clients and rave about their kids, travels with me, likes my family, will NOT smother me (that is the kiss of death with me), I want to feel comfortable speaking my mind, will watch Bravo with me (okay, that may be a bit overboard), I seriously could go on....

You know what is sad? I have yet to have that. In 30 years of life. I have never had that "head over heels" kind of romantic love. I worry.. Am I not lovable? Is there something about me that scares men away? Was 1 certain jack-wagon right and no one will put up with me long term? Maybe my non-existent balls are bigger than most guys in my dating demographic? I get cynical sometimes and wonder if that exists? *sigh* who knows? It's life right? It's all one big gamble. One thing I do know for sure is... I am ready to get in my classroom. Night loves!

XOXO-Mere

High 5 for Friday!

I feel like such a slacker on my bloggityness. I will always find time to list my "Top 5 Favorite Things" from the week. I am really trying to keep a positive mindset these days and stop to remember what I am thankful for each week. Here is this week's edition...

1. My new 4th grade Team at Rangeland. I have 2 wonderful Teachers who are so talented, enthusiastic, and innovative. We spent 3 days this week planning, deconstructing standards, and making Pinterest classroom ideas. See below. :)

2. Catching up with friends. I went classroom stocking and to dinner (kid free!) with Charlotte, I had a wild and fabulous night with my friend (and fellow Teacher) Emily, and I got to see Jill, Dan, and George this week to do photos. Which brings me to...

3. GEORGE ANDREW IMPELLIZZERI! His face just makes me giggle instantaneously. He is so handsome and such a ham. Love that baby.

4. Long runs outside. I got one in this week before the hazy, humid, nasty air swept through and forced me on the treadmill.

5. Rose gold. I am in love with it recently. Emily's friend Chris told me last night I was "ahead of the trends. Rose gold is all the rage in Miami." Woot woot. Go me!

Hi 5 for Friday!

Woke up this morning to let Claire out at 7:30 to see Good Morning America on the TV reporting about the Aurora, Colorado story. Makes me sick... I am just grateful for the wonderful things unfolding in my life. So, hug a loved one a little tighter, tell someone what you really want to say, and stop to smell the roses. Okay, I am getting off my soapbox now.

I am going to make an effort to blog more about 5 great things that went on in a week every Friday.

1. Babies. I photograph the sweetest, most precious babies. Case in point, below.

2. Target Dollar Spot has Teacher supplies. Oh yes, Sweet Baby Jesus!

3. Thankful dinner with a good friend who always sets me straight! Thanks Caty!
4. Thunderstorms. I forgot how much I loved the way they smell, feel, and look.

5. Colored jeans. Rocked my coral and mint ones this week. Super sexaaaay!